27th Street Bridge Closure Causes Significant Detours This Thursday

Major Closures on 27th Street and I-94

Commuters heading through the Menomonee Valley this Thursday, February 5, 2026, should prepare for significant shifts in their routine as the reconstruction of the Interstate 94 corridor intensifies. The most notable impact is the long-term closure of the 27th Street Bridge spanning the valley. This critical north-south artery closed earlier this week and is expected to remain offline until late 2026. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has designated 35th Street as the primary detour route between West Wisconsin Avenue and West Greenfield Avenue.

In addition to the bridge closure, the I-94 eastbound exit at North 26th Street and West St. Paul Avenue is also closed long-term. Drivers who typically use this exit for downtown access should allow for extra travel time and follow posted signage for alternate routes. Ongoing work on the James E. Groppi Unity Bridge (16th Street Bridge) also remains a factor, with that crossing expected to stay closed through April.

Highways and Maintenance Alerts

• I-43 Northbound: Maintenance crews will be active today from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM between local interchanges. Expect rolling lane closures and minor delays during these mid-morning hours.
• I-43 Southbound: A long-term construction closure between Glendale and Grafton continues to restrict traffic to two lanes in some segments; this configuration is slated to last until early April.
• I-94 Eastbound: Nightly maintenance work continues through February 6 between 11:30 PM and 5:00 AM, which may impact late-night travelers returning to the city.

MCTS Transit Adjustments

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) riders should be aware of several changes that went into effect recently. The PurpleLine has begun a major detour off 27th Street between Clybourn Street and National Avenue to accommodate the I-94 construction. This detour is expected to remain in place through 2027, and trip times have been adjusted system-wide to account for the extra travel distance. Riders are encouraged to check the Umo app for real-time bus locations.

Furthermore, Transit Plus paratransit riders are reminded that the transition to the WisGo fare system is now fully active. New WisGo cards were mailed earlier this month, and the system is moving away from paper tickets. Exact cash will still be accepted, but the final day to purchase traditional tickets is approaching at the end of February.

Winter Safety Warning

Following recent reports of snowplows being struck by vehicles across the state, local authorities are urging Milwaukee drivers to maintain a safe distance from maintenance equipment. State officials note that 13 plows have been involved in collisions already this winter. When encountering plows or salt trucks, stay back at least 200 feet and avoid passing on the right where visibility for the operator is most limited.